OMS Pirate Press Weekly Newsletter
Week of May 20-24 2024
7th Grade Class Trip to Ultimate Obstacles
Students in the 7th grade went to Ultimate Obstacles for their class trip this week. The goal was for students to challenge themselves, think outside the box, and work collaboratively with peers to support and challenge each other. Students reported that they had a lot of fun! Thank you to FOMS for supporting our student class trips through their financial support, covering transportation to offset the costs for students and families. Thank you, by extension, to our community by continually supporting the fundraisers and FOMS activities to continue to promote, support, and celebrate our students and school community!
Fun in Ancient Civilization
Late last week and into this Monday, as 6th grade students studied ancient Israel, students engaged in a STEM building challenge based on the ancient Israeli fortress of Masada. The 2,000 year old fortress was 1,500 feet above the desert floor, and students used toothpicks, popsicle sticks, glue, and Jenga blocks to build their Masada, with poker chips stacked to represent some of the buildings there. The largest freestanding tower came in at just under 30” in height, and likely could’ve been taller if more materials had been available.
OMS Spring Concert
On Thursday, May 9th, OMS hosted the annual Spring Concert. Thank you to all parents, families, and community members who came to support our students. It was a wonderful night to celebrate our students' musical progress and passion! Please enjoy a link to our spring concert below.
Spree Day Preparations
OMS is in the preparing for Spree Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th with a rain date of Wednesday, June 12th. If you are available and interested in volunteering to help supervise Spree Activity Events and OMS students, please see the link below to sign up. Please know that a CORI will need to be completed in advance of assigning and you will need to sign a district chaperone form.
Please reach out to our OMS Staff Spree Chairs Ms. Granger mailto:cgranger@oxps.org or Ms. Blood mailto:mblood@oxps.org with any questions.
Link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA5AF2BA4F8C07-49553163-spree#/
#Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters Stats and Info
Week of May 10-May 16, 2024: OMS Attendance Rates:
- Grade 6: 95% Way to go grade 6!
- Grade 7: 88.9% Tough week for grade 7. Class trip absenteeism got us.
- Grade 8: 9 94.7% Good job, grade 8, almost there!
- OMS: 92.6%
Our goal is 95%.
OMS Week of May 3-9 Perfect Attendance Subway Lunch Winners
We raffled a Subway luncheon, choosing one student at random who had perfect attendance for the week of May 3-9th. Our grade 7 winner was not able to be here for today's luncheon but will receive her luncheon next week with next week's perfect attendance raffle winners. We had 220 students eligible for the week of May 3-9! Awesome!
We had 195 students with perfect attendance for the week of May 10-16th and will draw our raffle winners on Monday, May 20th for next week's luncheon winners.
Schedule and Important Notes and Highlights for the Upcoming Week
Schedule for the Week of May 20-27, 2024
All week:
- OMS Student Council is organizing a Pet Supply Donation to benefit Second Chance Animal Shelter in East Brookfield. See the info below.
- Grade 8 Semi-Formal Ticket Sales in OMS Main Office. Last Day 5/24!
Daily Schedule:
- Monday, May 20, 2024: C Day
- Student Council Meeting after school. Permission slips needed. Email Ms. Granger with any questions. mailto:cgranger@oxps.org
- Tuesday, May 21, 2024: D Day
- Hiking club (last day!)
- Esports ((last day!)
- Wednesday, May 22, 2024: E Day
- Small Group grade 8 Pickleball U field Trip with Ms. Greenough 7:30-11:00
- Thursday, May 23, 2024: A Day
- No History Club this week. May 30th is the last day of history club.
- Friday, May 24, 2024: B Day
- Last day for grade 8 students to purchase semi formal tickets in OMS Main Office
- Pirates Cove School Store Open at Lunches. Don't miss end of school year closeout sales!
- Saturday, May 25, 2024
- Oxford Town Take-Over Day at Woo Sox game at Polar Park, Worcester. Info below in community section. Don't miss it! OMS chorus is signing The National Anthem!
- Monday, May 27, 2024: No School, Memorial Day
Important Notes and Highlights for Week of May 20-27, 2024
- Spree Day Volunteers Needed:
- OMS is in the preparing for Spree Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th with a rain date of Wednesday, June 12th.
- If you are available and interested in volunteering to help supervise Spree Activity Events and OMS students, please see the link below to sign up.
Link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA5AF2BA4F8C07-49553163-spree#/
- Please know that a CORI will need to be completed in advance of assigning and you will need to sign a district chaperone form.
- Please reach out to our OMS Staff Spree Chairs Ms. Granger mailto:cgranger@oxps.org or Ms. Blood mailto:mblood@oxps.org with any questions.
- OMS Student Council Pet Supply Donations Week of May 20-24. See info below. All items will be donated to the Second Chance Animal Shelter.
- Grades 6 and 8 Field Trip Reminders: Permissions slips and Money were due Friday, May 17th.
- Grade 8 semi formal is Friday, June 14th 7:00-9:00.
- Tickets are now on sale in OMS Main Office $10 through May 17th and $15 May 20-24th. Tickets not on sale at door.
- This is a semi formal dance, not formal. dress pants, collared shirt, skirt, blouse, dress/sundress.
- Grade 8 students may take an OMS grade 7 or 8 student as a guest, but the grade 8 student is responsible for ticket purchase and must host them--arrive with them.
- No formal wear or limos. Light refreshments will be served.
- Reach out with questions or concerns about attire.
- Flyer below.
- Library Book Info: All library books need to be returned to the library by Friday, May 24th. We will close book check out on Friday, May 24th. Notices will be sent home after May 24th to those who have not returned books.
- Woo Sox Town Takeover Day: Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Polar Park, Worcester. See info below under Community Events. OMS chorus students will be singing.
Student Council Pet Supply Drive-May 20-24
MCAS Testing Information
MCAS Dates
- MCAS Dates and Preparation: While students are expected to bring their OMS issued chromebook to school daily, it is especially important to be sure that students have their chromebooks with them for the following days for MCAS preparation and MCAS exams:
- Last MCSA Exams are:
- MCAS Civics Grade 8: May 28-29; this is a new test being given by DESE and is a pilot field test.
2. How to best support your MCAS Test Takers:
- A good night sleep. Recommend bed by 9, remove technology before bed.
- A nutritious breakfast to feed the brain.
- Hydration, drink water.
- Charge their Chromebook the night before.
- Send them to school on time with their chromebook all charged and with charger in hand, a clear refillable water bottle
3. MCAS Rules/Guidelines:
- Absolutely no cell phones, earbuds, or other electronic devices are to be out, seen, or used during MCAS. Failure to comply may result in student scores being compromised/nullified by state.
- No snacks or beverages other than water during MCAS testing in test sites.
- It is recommended that students bring an alternate book/magazine to read when finished with MCAS. OMS Library is closed during the school day on MCAS testing days as it is a test site location.
Save the Date:
Save the Dates:
- Grade 8 recognition: Friday, June 14, 2024 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Auditorium. Max 2 guests per student. More info to come
- Grade 8 semi-formal: Friday, June 14, 2024 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Semi Formal.
- Ticket Info: May 6-17 $10 each; May 20-24 $15 each; tickets not sold at door
- 8th grade students are allowed to bring 1 guest from either OMS grade 8 or OMS grade 7
- Light refreshments will be provided as part of ticket price
- Additional candy/snacks may be purchased
- Spree Day: June 11, rain date June 12. More info to come.
- Grade 6,7,8 Class Trips: Field Trips have been announced and classes are in the process of disseminating permission slips
- Grade 6: Dinosaur State Park, 2 classes per day due to max numbers at location May 29, 30, 31st
- Grade 7: Ultimate Obstacle, classes split over 2 days due to max numbers at location: May 14 and 15
- Grade 8: Friday, June 7th to View Boston at Top of the Hub Prudential Center.
- Last Day of School: With 3 snow days so far, the last day of school is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th, which is a scheduled half day of school.
Stay After School Reminders
Stay After School Reminders
Students must have a signed permission slip to stay after school with a supervised club, activity, help session, or Homework Center. We need verification of staying after in writing. Homework Center is by teacher recommendation only for days they are not available to work with students. Students must be engaged in work in the homework center or they will be sent to spend the remainder of time with our Admin until late buses or parent/guardian arrival and put future time in homework center in jeopardy. On the rare occasion that students forget to have the slip signed that was provided/requested by the teacher, we ask that you please email main office staff kdupuis@oxps.org and jestrella@oxps.org before 1:00. However, this should be the exception not the rule. If this method is abused, we will have to suspend this practice. We will not be arranging last minute requests to stay after when the teacher had not requested it and slip was not provided in advance. We will not accept calls as the method of request, as we must have documentation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this.
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Reminders
- Chromebooks: Students are reminded that Chromebooks are a daily necessary item for school and should be present with them daily, charged and ready to go. Students are encouraged to bring their charger with them to maintain connectivity throughout the day. Chromebooks should be treated with respect and are property of OXPS.
- Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Reminder: OMS has an away for the Day Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Rule. Students are not permitted to access, use, or have cell phones/personal electronic devices, including earbuds, visible during the school day. We've had an uptick in Cell phone and earbud visibility and usage. Please help us to keep our educational time uninterrupted by not contacting your child via cell during the school day. Instead, if you need to get a message to them, please contact 508-987-6074. Students will received progressive consequences for failure to comply with these expectations. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we keep our time at OMS focused on academics and safety.
Food and Snack Information
As a middle school, we do not have a scheduled snack time like elementary school. Students should bring a clear, refillable water bottle to school. Students should not be consuming snacks in classrooms without permission and the hallways should be clear of food and drinks other than water. Students permitted to consume a snack in the classroom are responsible for cleaning up and they should not become a distraction from learning. Students are only permitted to access the vending machines during lunches and after school. We do ask if packing a lunch or snack, please consider the type of snack and whether it's appropriate for a school environment. As a reminder all students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch and please send your children to school with refillable water bottles, as we have water refill stations throughout the building.
School Menu and Food Services Information
- The May OMS menu is copied below.
From the Health Office
- Ms. Packard is on maternity leave 5/20 until the close of the year. Please contact Nurse Iott with any questions or concerns mailto:tiott@oxps.org
- Unsure of whether your child should attend school with an ailment?
- Check out the guidelines: https://www.smore.com/n/4tsnm-nurses-notes
- FYI Guidelines on Viral Respiratory Infections: https://www.smore.com/n/g1mp5-nurses-notes
- 7th Grade Physicals
- According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Laws, a physical examination is required for each student upon entry into public school or entrance into a new public school district plus at intervals of three to four years thereafter. To be in compliance with this law the Oxford Public Schools, requires updated physical examinations in the 4th, 7th and 10th grades.
- If you have not done so already, please send in a current physical complete with an updated immunization record. If you are unsure what your child is missing please email school nurse at mailto:tiott@oxps.org You may send in a copy with your child or have the pediatrician’s office fax it to 508-987-2588.
Given you and your family’s busy schedules, I appreciate your time and effort regarding this Oxford Public School requirement.
Friends of Oxford Middle School (FOMS) Fundraisers and Info
FOMS Spirit Wear Fundraiser
FOMS is sponsoring an OMS Spirit Wear Shop. You can order the latest in gear--t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, outerwear, hats, and more! . All proceeds benefit FOMS, which in turn benefit our OMS students and programs. Please see the link below to order and the flyer below for more info. https://www.kerringraphics.com/customer_portal/login.html?ut=b174a64a-ac5d-43a5-bfa2-424393e5bc8d
*****NEW***** FOMS Spirit Wear Shop has started to add club and team clothing. So far, they have field hockey, soccer, track and field, art club, music, and Yearbook club added. There are several options--short sleeve tshirts, long sleeve tshirts, tank tops, shorts, sweatpants, a variety of sweatshirts, bags and much more! Stay tuned for more clubs and sports to come, as they are being added every week!
FOMS Pirates Cove School Store Days
Pirates Cove School store will be open during lunches on the following days:
- May 24
- June 7
OMS Club Info-Get Involved!
History Club
Students interested in learning more about history are welcome to join History Club. History Club plans to become involved in History Day Competitions as well for those looking to delve deeper into historical events. History club meets on Thursdays with Mr. Moriarty in room 102. Stay after slips are in his room and must be submitted to stay after. Students with questions should reach out to Mr. Moriarty mailto:smoriarty@oxps.org History club runs through May 30th. No history club on May 23rd.
Book Club
Do you love to read? If so the Book Club may be for you.
See or email Ms. Kennen for more information about the club's next book and next meeting. akennen@oxps.org . Students wanting to stay will need to submit permission slips.
June Meeting: May 30th, June 6th last meeting
Homework Club and Center
Need help, time, and resources with homework, research, projects, and studying? The Homework Center will run on Mondays-Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays after school 2:00-3:00, with the exception of the once a month faculty days held mostly on Mondays, but some rare Tuesdays due to long weekends Students wishing to stay will need a blue Homework Center form signed by a teacher with a specific assignment/project to work on and the parent/guardian signature. See or email Ms. Kennen for permission slips and with questions. mailto:akennen@oxps.org . No homework club Monday, June 10 2024
Grade 8 Fall Football Workouts:
OMS Grade 8 Students interested in playing football at OMS in the fall: Grade 8 students interested in playing football at OHS in the fall of 2024 are invited to participate in the Football weight training program. The program runs Tuesday-Thursday for OMS Students 2:00-3:30 at OHS weight room. Students will need a permission note from parents to attend, submitted to OMS office. Students will take late buses and get picked up from OHS at conclusion of club meeting time. Any questions, please contact Coach Jeff Clarkson mailto:jeffrey_clarkson@msn.com
Community Events
Oxford Town Takeover Day at Woo Sox
Oxford Day at WooSox: Oxford will be the special guest at the WooSox Town Takeover Day on May 25, 2024. We will have several Oxford students involved in the game day proceedings as well. All proceeds this year will go to support the Booster Club, which does an amazing job supporting athletics, performing arts and various clubs/activities for our students. Tickets are now available via the following link, just look for Oxford on Saturday, May 25th! https://www.milb.com/worcester/tickets/town-takeovers
Oxford Community Youth Athletics
Middle School Field Hockey Clinic
There will be a middle school field hockey clinic at Shepherd Hill, Dudley May 28th 3:00-4:00 p.m .This clinic is for new and experienced players. Please see attached info and sign up sheet.
Oxford Webster Youth Football and Cheer 2024 Registration
This group welcomes children ages K-8th grade. Registration information is attached below.
Field Hockey Clinic and Girls Basketball Clinic
Please see attachments below for information regarding local field hockey clinic and girls' basketball clinic.
Community Groups and Supports
Th NAN Project Informational Meeting about Children's Mental Health
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
GRG Support group-join us!
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) and caregiver support group meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month from September to June @ 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at Oxford High School. Coffee and snacks will be provided, please park in front and come in the main entrance. Feel free to contact Kimberly Rockwood with any questions-(978) 413-8989- all are welcome!
NAMI Support Group
NAMI Support Group via Zoom:
We are collaborating with NAMI to offer a FREE new Support Group for caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges provided for our Oxford families by the Central Mass chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
NAMI Support Group for Caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges is a peer-led support group for any adult who cares for a child or adolescent who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. The group will enable you to gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. You are not alone. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.
FREE of cost to participants
Designed for adult loved ones of young people with mental health conditions
Led by family members of people with mental health conditions
60-120 minutes long and meeting weekly, every other week, or monthly (varies by location)
No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
CONFIDENTIAL
The NAMI Support Group for caregivers of Pre-teens and Teens with mental health issues (POPTT) will begin on Wednesday evening, October 25th, from 7:00 – 9:00pm, via Zoom, and continue on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month. To sign up for this group, please email Robin at robinbahr1@gmail.com or Joy at cummingspj@worcesterma.gov. Please indicate that you are interested in joining the POPTT group; give your email address and the best phone number at which to reach you. The email link will be sent the day before each meeting.
Helpful District and School Resources
- Are you getting text messages of our automated calls/texts/emails? If you are not currently receiving text prompts about school and district news, please send a message to the number 22300 and type ALERT in the message in order to receive texts in the future.
- Our District Calendar can be found via the following links:
- District School Day Calendar: https://4.files.edl.io/b2fc/08/30/23/192743-caa5596d-7c83-451f-8868-d753af9ebf0d.pdf
- District Events: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/district_calendars
- School Hour changes, per district updates and the implications for OMS students. The link to the school hours is here: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/school_times .
- Electronic Backpack: Please be sure to remember to check the electronic backpack for forms, letters, community announcements as well. The link to the electronic backpack for OMS is as follows: https://oms.oxps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2070226&type=d&pREC_ID=2128528
- Athletic Schedule: https://sites.google.com/oxps.org/athletics
Bus Stops and Times:
- Bus stops and times are currently posted on our website at:
- Here are additional instructions for parents to view buses traveling in real-time on the First Student website when awaiting pickup or drop off:
- If you have any questions please email our bussing team at transportation@oxps.org.